Top Things to do in Arenal Volcano National Park
Top Hotels in Arenal Volcano National Park
- 1. Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs
- 2. Nayara Gardens
- 3. Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs
- 4. Hotel Amor Arenal
- 5. The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
- 6. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
- 7. Hotel Amor Arenal
- 8. The Springs Resort and Spa
- 9. Noah"s Forest by Tifakara
- 10. Hotel El Silencio del Campo
Things to do in Arenal Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela: The Best Walking Tours
If waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife and volcanoes are your thing, then Arenal Volcano National Park will take your breath away. One of the world’s most active volcanoes burps tufts of smoke in the background as you make your way through forests and old lava fields. Take a rafting tour or hit the beach, then retire to a comfy hotel.
Restaurants in Arenal Volcano National Park
1. 4-in-1 Arenal Volcano Tour: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano Hike, and Tabacon Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Join this 4-in-1 tour where you get to see the best of Costa Rica in 12.5 hours. Channel your inner bravery and cross the Arenal Hanging Bridges to catch unbelievable views of the forest. Observe the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall and partake in a thrilling Volcano Hike. Visit Tabacon Hot Springs and enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal in a local home. We know there is not always enough time to do as much as desired... but we can do it with you!
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off only from La Fortuna/ Arenal, Lunch, Local guide, Dinner, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off outside La Fortuna/ Arenal, Gratuities
Reviewed By shannonwE5057TA
Without a doubt, the highlight day of our first trip to Costa Rica was our 3-in-1 tour with RainForest Explorers. We had Carlos as our guide and driver for the first two stops - Mistico Hanging Bridges and hiking at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Carlos was truly an amazing guide and such a fun person to spend the day with. He was excellent at spotting animals and super knowledgeable about everything we saw. Mistico was beautiful, but I think without Carlos we would have walked through it in half an hour and not seen a single animal. Instead, we saw two different troops of monkeys (Spider and Howler), a tarantula, a viper, bats, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frogs, many birds and butterflies, and on and on. It was a wonderful tour! He used his Swarovski scope to give us a great look at the animals, and also took photos and videos through it with our phones. At the end of our walk through the Hanging Bridges, Carlos cut up a fresh pineapple to snack on before we got back in the van. Even the pineapple came with a lesson, where we found out that pineapple is a multiple fruit. Next, we drove to the base of Arenal Volcano to hike up some of the old lava rocks. We got our geology lesson for the day, saw some more beautiful animals, and took some great photos. Apparently Arenal rarely shows her full face, but we had an absolutely clear view of the Volcano throughout the entire day. After Arenal, Carlos drove us to the private restaurant owned by RainForest Explorers. Yuliana, the founder of the company (who does a great job running the scheduling and customer service), and her mom Ileana welcomed us warmly to the restaurant. Ileana taught us how to make tortillas, but our results shouldn’t be representative of her teaching skills, ha! After we made tortillas, we were fed a delicious lunch of casado tipico (protein, salad, gallo pinto, avocado, and plantains - amazing), guanabana juice, and coffee made in a chorreador. It was our favorite meal of the entire trip. We hung out for a little while after lunch (and got up close and personal with a sloth that was hanging out on a fence on their property), said a sad goodbye to Carlos, and then Yuliana’s brother Edgardo drove us to Eden Chocolate Farm for a tour. After the chocolate tour (also a great tour), Edgardo picked us up and drove us back to our hotel. It was the perfect day! We would recommend RainForest Explorers for anyone looking for a touring company in the Arenal region.
2. Sloths observation plus coffee-chocolate-sugar cane experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
This activity will lead to our Sloth Park to start, we will walk trough the rainforest 1.5 to 2 hours inside the trails and you can get to see two and three toes sloths and some poisonous froags and snakes even birds. Done with the hike we will visit the second section of the the park to get your amazing chocolate coffee and sugar tasting along all the information provided in by our tour guides. Very instructive and educative tour!!
Inclusions: Beverages, Round-trip shared transfer
Exclusions: Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
Reviewed By Dyingofnordom
The Mistico Hanging Bridges were incredible! Our tour guide, Errol, was fantastic and very knowledgeable. He pointed out citronella and coriander, too many trees to count, and other fun facts along the way. 11/10 recommend!
3. 3-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: River Safari Float with La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Start the day with a unique experience at Penas Blancas River and join a safari float! See wildlife in their natural environment during your 2-3 hour float. Afterwards, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a perfect place to take pictures, swim in the pristine water, and look at the wonderful scene. Enjoy a late lunch and hike before heading back to your hotel.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off only from Arenal/La Fortuna, National Park fees, Lunch, All activities, Driver/guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Arenal/ La Fortuna
Reviewed By shannonwE5057TA
Without a doubt, the highlight day of our first trip to Costa Rica was our 3-in-1 tour with RainForest Explorers. We had Carlos as our guide and driver for the first two stops - Mistico Hanging Bridges and hiking at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Carlos was truly an amazing guide and such a fun person to spend the day with. He was excellent at spotting animals and super knowledgeable about everything we saw. Mistico was beautiful, but I think without Carlos we would have walked through it in half an hour and not seen a single animal. Instead, we saw two different troops of monkeys (Spider and Howler), a tarantula, a viper, bats, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frogs, many birds and butterflies, and on and on. It was a wonderful tour! He used his Swarovski scope to give us a great look at the animals, and also took photos and videos through it with our phones. At the end of our walk through the Hanging Bridges, Carlos cut up a fresh pineapple to snack on before we got back in the van. Even the pineapple came with a lesson, where we found out that pineapple is a multiple fruit. Next, we drove to the base of Arenal Volcano to hike up some of the old lava rocks. We got our geology lesson for the day, saw some more beautiful animals, and took some great photos. Apparently Arenal rarely shows her full face, but we had an absolutely clear view of the Volcano throughout the entire day. After Arenal, Carlos drove us to the private restaurant owned by RainForest Explorers. Yuliana, the founder of the company (who does a great job running the scheduling and customer service), and her mom Ileana welcomed us warmly to the restaurant. Ileana taught us how to make tortillas, but our results shouldn’t be representative of her teaching skills, ha! After we made tortillas, we were fed a delicious lunch of casado tipico (protein, salad, gallo pinto, avocado, and plantains - amazing), guanabana juice, and coffee made in a chorreador. It was our favorite meal of the entire trip. We hung out for a little while after lunch (and got up close and personal with a sloth that was hanging out on a fence on their property), said a sad goodbye to Carlos, and then Yuliana’s brother Edgardo drove us to Eden Chocolate Farm for a tour. After the chocolate tour (also a great tour), Edgardo picked us up and drove us back to our hotel. It was the perfect day! We would recommend RainForest Explorers for anyone looking for a touring company in the Arenal region.
4. 2-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour: River Safari Float and La Fortuna Waterfall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
There is no tour better than this combination that takes you deep in the rainforest where you can see many wildlife, colorful birds, monkeys, sloths and many more in a fantastic way, first on a raft down a secluded part of the river and later to the great waterfall to enjoy the fresh, natural fall. Our guides are local experts, certified that know where to search for the best experience that you will have while in the country!
Inclusions: Rafting tour, Hike tour, Lunch, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off only from La Fortuna area, National Park fees
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pick up and drop off outside La Fortuna
Reviewed By shannonwE5057TA
Without a doubt, the highlight day of our first trip to Costa Rica was our 3-in-1 tour with RainForest Explorers. We had Carlos as our guide and driver for the first two stops - Mistico Hanging Bridges and hiking at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Carlos was truly an amazing guide and such a fun person to spend the day with. He was excellent at spotting animals and super knowledgeable about everything we saw. Mistico was beautiful, but I think without Carlos we would have walked through it in half an hour and not seen a single animal. Instead, we saw two different troops of monkeys (Spider and Howler), a tarantula, a viper, bats, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frogs, many birds and butterflies, and on and on. It was a wonderful tour! He used his Swarovski scope to give us a great look at the animals, and also took photos and videos through it with our phones. At the end of our walk through the Hanging Bridges, Carlos cut up a fresh pineapple to snack on before we got back in the van. Even the pineapple came with a lesson, where we found out that pineapple is a multiple fruit. Next, we drove to the base of Arenal Volcano to hike up some of the old lava rocks. We got our geology lesson for the day, saw some more beautiful animals, and took some great photos. Apparently Arenal rarely shows her full face, but we had an absolutely clear view of the Volcano throughout the entire day. After Arenal, Carlos drove us to the private restaurant owned by RainForest Explorers. Yuliana, the founder of the company (who does a great job running the scheduling and customer service), and her mom Ileana welcomed us warmly to the restaurant. Ileana taught us how to make tortillas, but our results shouldn’t be representative of her teaching skills, ha! After we made tortillas, we were fed a delicious lunch of casado tipico (protein, salad, gallo pinto, avocado, and plantains - amazing), guanabana juice, and coffee made in a chorreador. It was our favorite meal of the entire trip. We hung out for a little while after lunch (and got up close and personal with a sloth that was hanging out on a fence on their property), said a sad goodbye to Carlos, and then Yuliana’s brother Edgardo drove us to Eden Chocolate Farm for a tour. After the chocolate tour (also a great tour), Edgardo picked us up and drove us back to our hotel. It was the perfect day! We would recommend RainForest Explorers for anyone looking for a touring company in the Arenal region.
5. 3-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall & Volcano Hike
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 64 reviews
Designed with an outstanding combination for you to explore the best of the wonders surrounding the volcano. This tour is for those who love hiking and walking through the canopy of the forest. The first activity consist of a nature guided hike through trails in combination with suspension bridges where will be able to experience what the rainforest is from above and see plenty of wildlife. Following by the hike to the breathtaking waterfall where you can refresh and swim, later the perfect lunch at a local family ranch awaits to gain energy for the last part... the hike around the volcano!
Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Arenal/La Fortuna only, National Park fees, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off outside La Fortuna/Arenal
Reviewed By shannonwE5057TA
Without a doubt, the highlight day of our first trip to Costa Rica was our 3-in-1 tour with RainForest Explorers. We had Carlos as our guide and driver for the first two stops - Mistico Hanging Bridges and hiking at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Carlos was truly an amazing guide and such a fun person to spend the day with. He was excellent at spotting animals and super knowledgeable about everything we saw. Mistico was beautiful, but I think without Carlos we would have walked through it in half an hour and not seen a single animal. Instead, we saw two different troops of monkeys (Spider and Howler), a tarantula, a viper, bats, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frogs, many birds and butterflies, and on and on. It was a wonderful tour! He used his Swarovski scope to give us a great look at the animals, and also took photos and videos through it with our phones. At the end of our walk through the Hanging Bridges, Carlos cut up a fresh pineapple to snack on before we got back in the van. Even the pineapple came with a lesson, where we found out that pineapple is a multiple fruit. Next, we drove to the base of Arenal Volcano to hike up some of the old lava rocks. We got our geology lesson for the day, saw some more beautiful animals, and took some great photos. Apparently Arenal rarely shows her full face, but we had an absolutely clear view of the Volcano throughout the entire day. After Arenal, Carlos drove us to the private restaurant owned by RainForest Explorers. Yuliana, the founder of the company (who does a great job running the scheduling and customer service), and her mom Ileana welcomed us warmly to the restaurant. Ileana taught us how to make tortillas, but our results shouldn’t be representative of her teaching skills, ha! After we made tortillas, we were fed a delicious lunch of casado tipico (protein, salad, gallo pinto, avocado, and plantains - amazing), guanabana juice, and coffee made in a chorreador. It was our favorite meal of the entire trip. We hung out for a little while after lunch (and got up close and personal with a sloth that was hanging out on a fence on their property), said a sad goodbye to Carlos, and then Yuliana’s brother Edgardo drove us to Eden Chocolate Farm for a tour. After the chocolate tour (also a great tour), Edgardo picked us up and drove us back to our hotel. It was the perfect day! We would recommend RainForest Explorers for anyone looking for a touring company in the Arenal region.
6. 2-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 51 reviews
Enjoy a wonderful outdoor adventure including two great activities in Arenal. If you have limited time or simply you don’t want a full day tour; this one is specially designed for you. It will allow you to see and explore the beauties of the rainforest on a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park and by visiting La Fortuna Waterfall. Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off and a delicious lunch.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna/ Arenal only, Bilingual naturalist guide, Fruits, Lunch, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities , Hotel pickup and drop-off outside of La Fortuna/Arenal
Reviewed By shannonwE5057TA
Without a doubt, the highlight day of our first trip to Costa Rica was our 3-in-1 tour with RainForest Explorers. We had Carlos as our guide and driver for the first two stops - Mistico Hanging Bridges and hiking at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Carlos was truly an amazing guide and such a fun person to spend the day with. He was excellent at spotting animals and super knowledgeable about everything we saw. Mistico was beautiful, but I think without Carlos we would have walked through it in half an hour and not seen a single animal. Instead, we saw two different troops of monkeys (Spider and Howler), a tarantula, a viper, bats, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frogs, many birds and butterflies, and on and on. It was a wonderful tour! He used his Swarovski scope to give us a great look at the animals, and also took photos and videos through it with our phones. At the end of our walk through the Hanging Bridges, Carlos cut up a fresh pineapple to snack on before we got back in the van. Even the pineapple came with a lesson, where we found out that pineapple is a multiple fruit. Next, we drove to the base of Arenal Volcano to hike up some of the old lava rocks. We got our geology lesson for the day, saw some more beautiful animals, and took some great photos. Apparently Arenal rarely shows her full face, but we had an absolutely clear view of the Volcano throughout the entire day. After Arenal, Carlos drove us to the private restaurant owned by RainForest Explorers. Yuliana, the founder of the company (who does a great job running the scheduling and customer service), and her mom Ileana welcomed us warmly to the restaurant. Ileana taught us how to make tortillas, but our results shouldn’t be representative of her teaching skills, ha! After we made tortillas, we were fed a delicious lunch of casado tipico (protein, salad, gallo pinto, avocado, and plantains - amazing), guanabana juice, and coffee made in a chorreador. It was our favorite meal of the entire trip. We hung out for a little while after lunch (and got up close and personal with a sloth that was hanging out on a fence on their property), said a sad goodbye to Carlos, and then Yuliana’s brother Edgardo drove us to Eden Chocolate Farm for a tour. After the chocolate tour (also a great tour), Edgardo picked us up and drove us back to our hotel. It was the perfect day! We would recommend RainForest Explorers for anyone looking for a touring company in the Arenal region.
7. Arenal Oasis Night Walk from Arenal
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 11 reviews
Experience Arenal´s only wild frogs sanctuary at night, when colorful tree frogs and other rainforest wildlife are most active and most easily observed.
Inclusions: Tour Guide, Round trip transportation from Arenal Zone 1, Tour operate with a minimum of 2 people., Bottled water
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Dinner
Reviewed By 926RonS
The place didn't disappoint. The numerous waterfalls and trail was great experience. Definitely worth-visiting.
8. 2-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour: Hanging Bridges + La Fortuna Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 20 reviews
Our experienced, top of the line, certified guides are the best! They will treat you like family since they are all locals and will take you on a journey that you won't forget! Tell them what you are hoping to see or do and they will do their best to make your wish come true. Also, you will have a cultural experience by visiting the Rodriguez Family which is where lunch will be provided, you can seat with them, eat together, talk and make new, amazing friends, always in company of nature!
Inclusions: Snacks, Lunch, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off only from La Fortuna/Arenal, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off outside La Fortuna/Arenal
Reviewed By shannonwE5057TA
Without a doubt, the highlight day of our first trip to Costa Rica was our 3-in-1 tour with RainForest Explorers. We had Carlos as our guide and driver for the first two stops - Mistico Hanging Bridges and hiking at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Carlos was truly an amazing guide and such a fun person to spend the day with. He was excellent at spotting animals and super knowledgeable about everything we saw. Mistico was beautiful, but I think without Carlos we would have walked through it in half an hour and not seen a single animal. Instead, we saw two different troops of monkeys (Spider and Howler), a tarantula, a viper, bats, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frogs, many birds and butterflies, and on and on. It was a wonderful tour! He used his Swarovski scope to give us a great look at the animals, and also took photos and videos through it with our phones. At the end of our walk through the Hanging Bridges, Carlos cut up a fresh pineapple to snack on before we got back in the van. Even the pineapple came with a lesson, where we found out that pineapple is a multiple fruit. Next, we drove to the base of Arenal Volcano to hike up some of the old lava rocks. We got our geology lesson for the day, saw some more beautiful animals, and took some great photos. Apparently Arenal rarely shows her full face, but we had an absolutely clear view of the Volcano throughout the entire day. After Arenal, Carlos drove us to the private restaurant owned by RainForest Explorers. Yuliana, the founder of the company (who does a great job running the scheduling and customer service), and her mom Ileana welcomed us warmly to the restaurant. Ileana taught us how to make tortillas, but our results shouldn’t be representative of her teaching skills, ha! After we made tortillas, we were fed a delicious lunch of casado tipico (protein, salad, gallo pinto, avocado, and plantains - amazing), guanabana juice, and coffee made in a chorreador. It was our favorite meal of the entire trip. We hung out for a little while after lunch (and got up close and personal with a sloth that was hanging out on a fence on their property), said a sad goodbye to Carlos, and then Yuliana’s brother Edgardo drove us to Eden Chocolate Farm for a tour. After the chocolate tour (also a great tour), Edgardo picked us up and drove us back to our hotel. It was the perfect day! We would recommend RainForest Explorers for anyone looking for a touring company in the Arenal region.
9. Costa Rica Full Day Combo Tour - Zip lining, Waterfalls, Volcano & Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 69 reviews
Discover many beautiful attractions of Costa Rica on this Combo Tour from San Jose. Fly over the Rainforest Canopy on a zip lining course and rappel down 50 meters (150 feet). Visit 2 beautiful waterfalls in the Rainforest; admire wildlife of Costa Rica at the exotic birds’ viewing point and the Iguanas Center. Learn about coffee of Costa Rica and taste the delicious local cuisine. Participate of a native tribe presentation. Relax in thermal mineral hot springs pools at the base of Arenal Volcano. Lunch and dinner are included.
Inclusions: Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off (most hotels in the San Jose area), Professional bilingual guide, Lunch, Dinner, Coffee or Tea with local snacks, Entrance Fees
Exclusions: Gratuities, Services not specified
Reviewed By londy357
I was nervous traveling post-quarantine, but our tour guide, Kenneth, frequently reminded us to wash our hands, sanitized his vehicle twice throughout the day, and kept his mask on. This tour is the best way to introduce yourself to traveling again.
10. Best of La Fortuna Combo Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 22 reviews
This tour is designed to share the main attractions of the La Fortuna region with those who have limited time in the area and want to make the most of it. There is no doubt that our volcano is a highlight in the region, so we start with 3.5 km (2 mi.) hike through trails of solidified volcanic lava and primary rainforest in El Silencio Reserve to reach the lookout, which is as close to the Arenal Volcano as you can safely reach. Around 11:30 a.m. we will move on to the second point of interest. The 70m (230ft) high La Fortuna Waterfall is a breathtaking place, where you can take a refreshing swim or just photograph this magical waterfall and its splendid surrounding. Around 1:00 p.m., we will enjoy a delicious lunch in a restaurant near La Fortuna. L Next, around 2:30 p.m., we will make our way to the Hanging Bridges to walk along a trail through the rainforest and across bridges high above the treetops, to observe plants and animals from a different perspective.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Bottled water, Snacks, Lunch (If selected in options), Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By antonj71
We visited here as part of a day tour and had a guided hike. We did not see any exciting large wildlife, but did see where Tapirs had barreled through the brush. We got to see some cool insects, a couple of short nosed green vine snakes and variety of the less spectacular birds. The star of the show was the waterfall where we got our Christmas Card shot! It takes at least minimal mobility as the drop to the viewing platform is 253 steps down and then 253 steps back up. The view was more than worth it. We had a very considerate guide that also educated us in the flora that we were walking through and patiently answered all our questions.
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